Historic Artifact Found During Grand Rapids Public Museum Construction

Driving through Downtown Grand Rapids, the city is a mixture of historic buildings surrounded by modern buildings. I always get very giddy when I go from driving on a paved road to a brick road.  It serves as a reminder of the City's origins while embracing what comes next.

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In this case, in the process of building something new, something historic has been unearthed dating back to the 1880s. It is fitting that the one to discover this artifact was the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM), which is in the midst of a massive $50 million riverfront expansion to its complex.

Centrifugal Pump Discovery

According to a press release from the GRPM, a "centrifugal pump belonging to William T. Powers’ Grand Rapids Electric Light and Power Company" was discovered by the construction crew working to clear the land for the riverfront expansion.

Crews were able to successfully remove the pump from the construction site and are looking to use it in a future exhibit.

A Centrifugal Pump was used to generate hydroelectricity by quickly moving large amounts of water to assist with the constant electricity generation. This pump was made in 1901 and was likely used until 1956 when the power plant was decommissioned.

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The Grand Rapids Electric Light and Power Company was opened in 1880 and was the first hydroelectric power plant in the world to power street lighting and private business.

More Discoveries & Expansion

This pump wasn't the first artifact found throughout the process of expanding the riverfront. Earlier this year, construction crews also found the remains of the old Voigt Mill, which also used hydro power to power its flour mills. Turbines and flumes were safely salvaged and will also hopefully be used in a future exhibit.

The expansion is set to be completed in Summer 2025. You can view renderings and more photos of the pump below.